SEPTEMBER 2018 VOL. 31, NO. 9
A Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Publication
HT-390679-1
Being family owned and operated is part of what makes the business special, “that care and attention to detail is something that sets us apart, not to mention we have an excellent reputation here in town with our company being here all this time.”
In this issue: Advocacy Update ..........................................................2 Chamber Voices............................................................3 hYPe News ...................................................................4 Chamber Briefs .............................................................5 Ambassador of the Quarter .........................................6 Franklin Initiative News .................................................6 Building Bloomington ....................................................7 Annual Meeting and Community Awards ...................12
— Teresa Keller, Keller Heating & Air Conditioning Greg Keller, left, and Teresa Keller, Keller Heating & Air Conditioning. Photo by Chris Howell.
Spotlight: Keller Heating & Air Conditioning
MARK YOUR CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 12 27
By Kasey Husk
Coming in October: The Election Issue
Local candidates answer questions from the Chamber
A
t Bloomington HVAC company Keller Heating & Air Conditioning, there are two basic guiding philosophies that shape the way its owners do business. The first — perhaps typically for most companies, Teresa Keller said — is always striving to provide quality products and excellent customer service The second? “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” Keller quotes, laughing a little. It sometimes comes as a surprise to customers when Keller employees advise against purchasing a product from them if a prospective customer’s existing unit still has life left in it. But, she said, it is all about helping the customer make the right decisions. “We don’t want that reputation that we are just out to make a buck,” she said. “We are about the customer and we try to take every situation into consideration and help the customer decide what the best option is for them at that time.”
SPOTLIGHT
continued on page 14
hYPe – Building Your Personal Brand, Bedräk Café Annual Meeting and Community Awards, Monroe Convention Center
OCTOBER 17
Business After Hours, HFI
Building Bloomington: Infrastructure Challenges and Zoning Complexities Constrain Development of Local Housing Options
See page 7
ADVOCACY+Update The Chamber represents business interests to local, state and federal representatives, serving as an advocate on behalf of all businesses for the issues critical to the future of our community. If you need assistance with a business advocacy issue, please contact your Advocacy Team at The Chamber.
Meet Our New Advocacy Associate Hanna Borntrager is the Chamber’s new advocacy associate and a SPEA Service Corp fellow. She is an MPA candidate in SPEA studying nonprofit management and international development. Hannah is Hanna Borntrager. originally from Courtesy photo. Tennessee and received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology at East Tennessee State University. Her hobbies include reading, hiking, and playing with her dog, Benji. Hannah is excited to be the Chamber’s new advocacy fellow and gain more experience in her field of study. Welcome to the Chamber, Hannah!
Chamber Calls for City and County Officials to be Collaborative on Convention Center
potential of our area’s water supply. Friends of Lake Monroe is uniquely suited to serve as a bridge between the cities and counties located in the watershed.
The Chamber released a statement calling on officials to reinstate the original memorandum of understanding and find common ground to move the Convention Center project forward. The Chamber also called for the selection process for a hotelier to be reopened at the appropriate time. The Chamber has included the expansion of the Monroe Convention Center as a priority in its Local Public Policy Agenda the past several years, and publicly supported the food and beverage tax. The Chamber is dedicated to do all it can to help facilitate conversations between the city and county and move this important project forward in a timely, responsible and transparent manner.
Be on the lookout for The Chamber’s annual Legislative Survey, which will be sent out in October. The survey will help us identify the top priority issues of our members as we develop our Legislative and Local Public Policy Agendas for 2019. Thank you in advance for your participation!
Chamber Offers Letter of Support for Friends of Lake Monroe Grant The Chamber submitted a letter of support for the Friends of Lake Monroe application for a FY2019 319 Grant for “Lake Monroe Watershed Plan Development.” The Chamber has supported various efforts over the years related to the management and economic
Annual Legislative Survey
I-69 Section 5 Update Motorists traveling between Indianapolis and Bloomington and wishing to avoid potential delays on SR 37 are encouraged use the alternate routes of SR 135, I-65 and SR 67. The speed limit throughout the entire work zone remains 45 miles per hour. Motorists are urged to drive with no distractions, leave ample space between vehicles and to be aware of changing traffic conditions. Motorists are urged to exercise caution when driving through these portions of the construction zone and are reminded that the speed limit remains 45 miles per hour for the entire I-69 Section 5 corridor.
Have questions about Chamber advocacy? Contact Anne Bono 812-336-6381 abono@Chamber Bloomington.org
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CHAMBER VOICES
From the Desk of Erin Predmore connects people to resources. Serena also keeps our database up to date, which she navigates like a consummate Someone complimented me pro. personally on the Chamber’s recent HR Tammy Walker, our director of conference, and I had to correct their member services, is probably one of assumption. While the HR conference the faces you recognize most easily was informative and extremely well — she is always on the go, visiting done, I couldn’t take any credit for members, organizing ribbon cuttings, it — The Chamber staff had identified communicating with members about the need and pulled the entire event the benefits available to them, and together long before I was on the scene. thinking of ways to make the Chamber If you didn’t already know, the even more helpful to members. Chamber team are amazing at their Our director of marketing and jobs. I am impressed by the excellent communications, Jim Inman, is another people working every day to connect, familiar face to many of you. He is encourage, communicate and influence an outgoing, smiling and thoughtful today’s and tomorrow’s ow’s business person who wor pe works extremely leaders. They have done on one hard on ou ha our events and a wonderful job to communications. He is comm mm maintain momentum m help lp by Carol Kelly, helped This is your on issues that are our events coordinator. ou Chamber team. critical to our Carol arranges a lot Ca Dedicated, caring, community and of behind-the-scenes innovative and they deserve our details that make our recognition and events run smoothly, responsive. I am excited praise. In the past and her attention to to be their leader and year they have detail keeps things in de know we can accomplish picked up extra line. line great things. responsibilities to Christopher Emge is make sure things are newest staff member our ne covered — splitting duties, started in June as the du — he sta ta sharing roles, and solving manager of tal talent and education. vi problems — and they are a strong Christopher leads the Franklin team. Since this column is mine, I’d Initiative, the extremely impressive like to acknowledge their individual program that works with our local professionalism and competency. schools to prepare students for work Without further ado, this is your and career, as well as hYPe, our program excellent Chamber team ... for young professionals. He has already Pam Willis, our director of finance begun designing programming that is and administration, has been with the relevant and helpful to their personal Chamber for a little more than a year. professional development. She’s organized, dedicated, and has an Jim Shelton, our government amazing memory — all critical skills for relations manager, keeps direct contact her job. She’s joined by Serena Duke, with our elected officials by attending our membership coordinator. Serena is CHAMBER VOICES the smiling face that greets every visitor at the front desk, answers questions and continued on page 13 Dear Members and Community Stakeholders,
Erin Predmore. Courtesy photo.
/ChamberBloom
/ChamberBloom
/ChamberBloom
Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce 400 W. 7th St., Suite 102 • P.O. Box 1302 • Bloomington, IN 47402 Phone 812-336-6381 • ChamberBloomington.org
STAFF, PARTNERS & BOARD MEMBERS The Chamber invites its members to contact these individuals with comments or questions regarding Chamber activities. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
OFFICERS
Erin Predmore, President and CEO Anne Bono, Vice President, Director of Advocacy & Public Policy Hanna Borntrager, Advocacy Associate Serena Duke, Member Services Coordinator Christopher Emge, Manager of Talent and Education Jim Inman, Director of Marketing and Communications Carol Kelly, Events Coordinator Trevor Owens, Franklin Initiative Program Associate Jim Shelton, Government Relations-County Tammy Walker, Director of Member Services Pam Willis, Director of Finance and Operations
Tony Stonger, Edward Jones, Chair Jennie Vaughan, Ivy Tech Community College – Bloomington, 1st Vice Chair Ron Walker, CFC Properties, 2nd Vice Chair Cindy Kinnarney, First Financial Bank, Secretary/Treasurer
BIZNET Greg Davenport, editor biznet@heraldt.com
DIRECTORS Bruce Calloway, Duke Energy Indiana Lauren Dexter, Bloomington Health Foundation Amy Somers Kopp, RE/MAX Acclaimed Properties Cullen McCarty, Smithville Vanessa McClary, Kiwanis Club of South Central IN Dan Peterson, Cook Group Mike Richardson, Midwest Color Printing/FASTSIGNS Scott Shishman, Old National Bank Steve Smith, Hoosier Energy R.E.C., Inc. Mary Ann Valenta, IU Health Bloomington Sue West, JLW Properties Kirk White, Indiana University Jim Whitlatch, Bunger & Robertson Andy Williams, Rogers Group, Inc.
CONTACT BIZNET If you are a Chamber member who would like to announce promotions, expansions, community events, or other news in the “Chamber Briefs” section, please contact Carol Kelly at the Chamber: 812-336-6381 or ckelly@ChamberBloomington.org. To advertise in BizNet, please contact Chad Giddens at 812-331-4292 or cgiddens@heraldt.com. Be sure to ask about discount rate packages for Chamber members! For subscription information or customer service, please contact Jim Inman at 812-336-6381 or info@ChamberBloomington.org. Please send press releases to info@ChamberBloomington.org. Thank you for your interest in BizNet! HT-377761-1
SEPTEMBER 2018 | BIZNET • F3
hYPe Looking for New Steering Committee Members By Christopher Emge, manager of talent and education
Series (social in nature), and Marketing/ Partnerships. This is real opportunity to enhance an already-unique community to hYPe (helping Young Professionals become one of the premiere destinations excel) is guided by a steering committee for YP everywhere. If you are interested, of young professionals who volunteer please contact Christopher Emge at cemge@ their time to organize our events, act as chamberbloomington.org. ambassadors for hYPe and provide input for Our next event “Building Your Personal the long-term vision. The goal has been to Brand” will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 12 offer an outlet for YPs to grow professionally from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Bedräk Café (409 and socially. The desired outcome remains a S. Walnut St.). A panel of local professionals bond with the Bloomington area that keeps who have successfully found their niche them here for the long term. will discuss what that entails. There will be We need YP volunteers who love — and tips to build a platform that identifies your want to expose others to — all the wonderful individual uniqueness and strengths. Then sites and fabulous people we have to offer the talk will move toward defining your in our great community. Currently, there is audience. The result is a personal brand a committee track system for your area of that establishes your image in the minds interest or capability. These include Adulting of others. Please join us to learn more (personal growth), Non-Profit & Civic at this free event! Register online at Engagement, Culture & the Arts, Seasonal ChamberBloomington.org.
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MEMBER RENEWALS • Abell Nursery • Amedisys Home Health Services • Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington • B.P.O. Elks #446 • Back to Nature Cabins • Big Red Liquors • Biolife Plasma Services, LP • Bledsoe Riggert Cooper & James • Blond Genius
NEW MEMBERS CoreVision Financial Group 153 E. Main St. Nashville, IN 47448 Contact: Jimmy Walker 812-988-6077
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• Bloomington Iron & Metal, Inc. • BMG Aviation, Inc. • BuffaLouie’s • Building Associates, Inc. • Carlisle Industrial Brake and Friction • Carpets Plus ColorTile • Century Suites Hotel • Children’s Organ Transplant Association • Deckard Land Surveying, LLC • Fairfield Inn & Suites • Franklin College • The Funeral Chapel • G & S Homes • Gibson Teldata, Inc.
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Gaza Japanese Cuisine 895 S. College Mall Road Bloomington, IN 47401 Contact: Roger Ge 812-339-8076 Hazen Insurance Agency LLC 2864 E Buick Cadillac Blvd, Bloomington, IN 47401 Contact: Marcy Hazen 812-334-1413
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Goldin Appraisal Group Tye Hanna Harris Services Holiday Inn Express Innovative Financial Solutions, Inc. IU Health Bloomington Jamar Property Management LLC KeHE Kilroy’s on Kirkwood Koorsen Fire & Security Kroger Co. #J928 (East) KVA Consulting, Inc. Gigi Larmour-Goldin Locked Up Bloomington Midwest Color Printing Miracle-Ear
Members of the 2018-2019 hYPe Steering Committee posed for a photo at their annual planning retreat in August. Courtesy photo.
• Monroe County Humane Association • Moore Restoration, Inc. • My Sister’s Closet • Oakdale Square Apartments • Pearle Vision • The Peoples State Bank • Plato’s Closet • Plecher, Ron • ProBleu, Inc. • Quick-Dry Carpet Cleaning • Riley SIP Properties, LLC • Safe Place of Monroe, Owen, and Greene County • Schmidt Associates
• Sherwood Oaks Christian Church • Singota Solutions • Slotegraaf Niehoff PC • Springhill Suites by Marriott, Bloomington • State Farm InsuranceMike Weston • State Farm InsuranceVanessa Oden • The Stratum at Indiana • Super 8 Motel of Bloomington • T.M. Crowley & Associates • The Tap • Textillery Weavers • The Pourhouse Cafe
• Tommy D’s Windows, Doors & More Inc. • Transitional Services • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK • Uptown Cafe • Urban Air Adventure Park • Whole Sun Designs Inc. • World Wide Automotive Service • WS Property Group • WTTS/WGCL Sarkes Tarzian, Inc. • Youth Services Bureau of • Monroe County Youth Villages
Hive 2608 E. Tenth St. Bloomington, IN 47408 Contact: Abbi Springer 812-287-7405
One World at Woolery Mill 2250 W. Sunstone Drive Bloomington, IN 47403 Contact: Laura Burnett 812-334-3663
Social Cantina 125 N. College Ave. Bloomington, IN 47404 Contact: Nathan Finney 812-287-8199
Twylla Webb Civic Member 812-322-0608
Lentz Paving, LLC P.O. Box 87 Bloomington, IN 47402 Contact: Travis Lentz 812-327-5701
Smile Doctors Braces by Henderson Orthodontics 857 S. Auto Mall Road Bloomington, IN 47401 Contact: Kelly Williams 812-333-1051
Vanished Aesthetics 807 N. College Ave. Bloomington, IN 47404 Contact: Deanna McAllister 812-320-2284
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CHAMBER BRIEFS
New Hires & Promotions Vollrath Promoted to Branch Manager Stephanie Vollrath was promoted to branch manager of Union Savings Bank on Jan. 1, 2018. Vollrath served as the assistant manager for the previous eight years with Union Savings. She is also a mortgage loan officer and would be happy to help with any refinance or purchase needs. Ferguson Law Welcomes Stephens Ferguson Law announces the addition of Attorney Amanda L. Stephens to its staff. Stephens will practice family, criminal, and civil law. Contact Ferguson Law at 812-332-2113 or email office2@ ferglaw.com to schedule an appointment with Stephens.
Whole Sun Designs Inc. is a leading solar contractor in southern Indiana with offices in Bloomington and Evansville. Our vision is to transition our region to clean, sustainable energy while balancing economic, social and environmental responsibility. Our mission is to empower individual business and homeowners to generate their own solar power with systems comprised of high-quality components, installed and maintained by highly-skilled employees who have a stake in the success of the business. Visit us at WholeSunDesigns.com or call 812-550-1251.
Gaza Bloomington is owned by the incredible chef John Chan. The restaurant showcases Gaza’s modern-style Japanese cuisine in innovative surroundings including a modern-style sushi counter and ample space. Fresh, wild caught seafood is served fresh daily, brought in from all over Japan as well as abroad, to bring you authentic modern Japanese cuisine. Gaza features local-grown Indiana produce and prime meats that develop into extraordinary delicacies. An extensive bar menu, wine list, and excellent sake selection is available to enhance your evening. Gaza is striving to be the premier Japanese restaurant in Indiana. Customer satisfaction is our top priority at Gaza; cuisine provided through best quality, fresh ingredients; abundant selection; top-of-the line service and an inviting atmosphere. Visit GazaCuisine.com or call 812-3398076.
Awards & Designations Local Realtors Graduate Indiana Realtors Leadership Academy Kristen Weida of the Bloomington Board of Realtors is a recent graduate of the Indiana Association of Realtors (IAR) Leadership Academy. IAR’s Leadership Academy is a year-long training program designed for emerging Realtor leaders.
Opportunities & Events 2018-2019 LBMC Applications Are Now Available Leadership Bloomington-Monroe County prepares emerging leaders to address current and future community needs through a seven-month experiential learning program. Applications are due Sept. 14 and class begins Oct. 19. More information: Apply at LeadershipBloomington.com or contact Tricia Riveire Stumpf at 812-856-2560 or priveire@iu.edu. Picker’s Paradise at Westbury Antique Market Stop by Westbury Antique Market on Saturday, Sept. 15 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. for a fun day of shopping, inside and outside. Westbury will be holding their last picker’s paradise sale of the season with vendors set up outside. Located in Westbury Village on Arlington Rd. at SR 37. Conflict Resolution and Mediation Training Opportunity If you spend time managing workplace conflicts, this is the training for you. Held over five weekend days on Sept. 15, 16, 22, 23 and 29, this training will enhance your conflict resolution management and communication skills. More information: Contact Liz Grenat at 812-336-8677, or visit www.cjamcenter.org.
Hazen Insurance Agency, LLC proudly serves Bloomington and the surrounding areas. As your Shelter Insurance® agency, we can help make sure you get the right coverage at the right price, while providing the service you need. Our commitment doesn’t stop when you sign your policy — feel free to reach out any time you have questions. Shelter Awards: Indiana Agent of the Year 2013, 2017, 2018; five-time Conference of Champion attendee — 2008, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018. Visit ShelterInsurance.com/doughazen or call 812-334-1413.
United Way of Monroe County Hosts Kick-Off Luncheon Workplaces interested in joining United Way’s annual campaign are invited to join us for lunch. The luncheon will take place on Thursday, Sept. 20 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Monroe Convention Center. Donations of new adult or children’s socks are encouraged. More information: RSVP to Hannah@monroeunitedway.org. WCLS Fest Coming Up The inaugural WCLS FEST will be Saturday, Sept. 22 from 2-10 p.m. at Waldron Hill Buskirk
CHAMBER BRIEFS
Wooden McLaughlin is a mid-sized, Indianapolis-based law firm with sophisticated national real estate development, real estate finance and litigation practices. Other practice areas include banking, construction law, corporate and commercial law, creditors’ rights, employment law, estate planning, finance/ lending law, healthcare and insurance coverage. The firm maintains offices in both Bloomington and Evansville. Visit WoodenLawyers.com or call 317-639-6151.
Affordable Fence Inc. is a locally owned and operated fencing company. We offer all types of custom-built fencing for customers throughout Monroe and surrounding counties. We work with residential and commercial customers. Let us put our years of experience to work for you. Visit us at AffordableFence.org or call 812-824-1427.
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SEPTEMBER 2018 | BIZNET • F5
The Franklin Initiative Update
Volunteering for the Speakers Bureau Enhances the Student Career Exploration By Christopher Emge, manager of talent & education
professionals, video game design, or videographers. Other areas of interest noted by students include the arts and law he Franklin Initiative is diligently enforcement. attempting to book a myriad of Career exploration is a vital means professionals for our Speakers Bureau to provide these students a pathway to a to speak with junior high and early high related career. With a better understanding school classrooms in the area. Exposing of the working world, young people students to career opportunities allows can more easily envision how they fit them the see the relevance of what they are successfully into that workforce. Beyond learning. It also furnishes them with tools the academics, volunteers will have an to make informed decisions on high school opportunity instill enthusiasm through course selection and post-secondary needs relating why they chose their given careers. to achieve their goals. The hope remains that with a sense of FI is hoping to secure volunteers from excitement and attainable goals, students a wide variety of professions. Specifically, will work more productively toward career there are certain fields such as STEM success. (Science, Technology, Engineering and If you are interested in volunteering your Franklin Initiative volunteers address local students during a speaker’s panel. Courtesy photo. Math) where there remains a high time to educate and inspire students on demand for volunteers. These fields within their career path, please email Christopher STEM include nurses or any healthcare Emge, cemg@chamberbloomington.org.
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Left to right: Ambassador Adviser Mande Miskewycz, Ambassador of the Quarter Rachel Robertson, Chamber Vice President Anne Bono and Ambassador Coach Terri Brown. Courtesy photo.
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Congratulations to Rachel Robertson with TownePlace Suites by Marriott - Bloomington who was named Ambassador of the Quarter. Rachel deserves this recognition for her excellent volunteer work with our Ambassador committee. We are excited to celebrate you and we appreciate your work to support Chamber members.
Building Bloomington Photo by Chris Howell.
Infrastructure Challenges and Zoning Complexities Constrain Development of Local Housing Options By Kasey Husk
A
s recently as 25 years ago, access to the internet would have been something that few potential property buyers would have thought to consider during their house-hunt. Today, high-speed internet access is more than a preference for homebuyers and business owners alike — it’s often an absolute necessity. “We know from our customer service that the volume of people calling us when they are looking at a home asking what services it has, has grown a lot,” said Dave Brodin, Smithville Fiber’s chief operating officer. “Once we talk about what’s available, if it turns out (internet) isn’t available or not fast enough, they’ll pass on a house because they just feel they aren’t going to be able to live their lives the way they want without that speed.” Access to infrastructure — either provided by private companies or by a municipality itself — is often critical to ensuring healthy growth and sustainability in a community. However, providing this infrastructure is not without its challenges — especially when it comes to a key piece of the puzzle: housing. While not always considered “infrastructure” in the same way that fiber, sewers or roads are, providing adequate housing for a community Photo by David Snodgress. workforce is of vital importance, local leaders say. Right now, both Monroe County and Bloomington “The lack of workforce are struggling with having enough housing options housing has really for its populace, a situation complicated by other emerged to be one of complex infrastructure issues at play when it comes the biggest concerns to developing new areas. for development Still, local leaders say, they hope to smooth the way for new development and infrastructure in the county.” improvements in the future.
— Geoff McKim, Monroe County Councilman
“We know from our customer service that the volume of people calling us when they are looking at a home asking what services it has, has grown a lot. Once we talk about what’s available, if it turns out (internet) isn’t available or not fast enough, they’ll pass on a house because they just feel they aren’t going to be able to live their lives the way they want without that speed.” Courtesy photo.
— Dave Brodin, Smithville Fiber’s chief operating officer
We’re here for you!
Difficulties in development
BUILDING BLOOMINGTON continued on page 8
a art.alahay.org
While recent years may have been characterized by large apartment buildings going up in downtown Bloomington, local leaders say housing growth in the city has slowed. The result, they say, is increasingly a lack of affordable options for those seeking to live and work in Bloomington. In the rest of Monroe County — with the exception of Ellettsville — the story is largely the same. “The lack of workforce housing has really emerged to be one of the biggest concerns for development in the county,” said longtime Monroe County Councilman Geoff McKim. For Lisa Abbott, executive vice president of the Bloomington Board of REALTORS, a glance at Monroe County’s permit report for the month of July tells an important story. In 31 pages of the report covering one of the area’s
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busiest construction months, very few of the new projects being built are within Bloomington city limits, she said. In particular, she said, single-family homes are missing from the equation. For this, she — and fellow realtor Tracee Lutes — point to onerous restrictions placed on builders in both Monroe County and the city of Bloomington. “My feeling is that we’ve created such a problem with our rules inside the city that it makes it very difficult to do singlefamily new construction,” Abbott said. In the county, for instance, strict rules govern the subdivision of a parcel of land, which must be at least 10 acres to be eligible for division, Lutes said. From there, that 10-acre parcel can only be split into three other parcels, each of which must have at least one acre of buildable land. These limitations mean the threehomes-per-acre subdivisions of the past become impossible, Lutes said. This and other restrictions on builders, Lutes said, have led to “an exodus of developers” interested in doing business in Monroe County. Compounding an overall housing shortage, Abbott said, is changes the city made to its Unified Development Ordinance in January that reduced the height and density allowed “by right.” Projects that once would be approved by virtue of meeting zoning code requirements in a specific area now undergo far more scrutiny because developers must apply for variances to get permission to build to the same sizes they were eligible for before. The high cost of land makes it difficult to make a building profitable under the new regulations, but designing such projects without being certain whether they’ll be approved is also risky financial proposition, Abbott said. These concerns are nothing new to councilman McKim, who said Monroe County’s zoning code is “incredibly complex” as a result of the way various rules have evolved over time. Areas in parts of the county once labeled “areas intended for annexation,” for instance, had to follow different guidelines than other parts of the county, he said. In other parts of the code, different terminology is used to describe similar things. For his part, McKim hopes that many of these problems will be eased with the development of a new zoning code, a process currently underway. “One of the primary goals of the consolidated ordinance is
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“There is increasingly more awareness of the issue of the need to increase the supply of housing — we do need more housing overall — but also understanding that we need more housing that can be affordable for low and moderate incomes.” Courtesy photo.
— Deborah Myerson, South Central Indiana Housing Opportunities
DOWNTOWN BLOOMINGTON
“My feeling is that we’ve created such a problem with our rules inside the city that it makes it very difficult to do singlefamily new construction.” Courtesy photo.
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to streamline the rules and make it much more transparent,” he said. That will include “radically reducing” the number of zones in the county, he said. The result of this slowed development in Monroe County, locals say, is a shortage of housing options and higher prices that make the area less affordable for those looking to move here. Abbott said she sees many indicators of this shortage: for one, the median number of days a home is one the market has tumbled by about 30 to 40 percent between 2012 and 2018. For another, the median price of a single-family home has increased from $163,000 in 2012 to $229,500 for 2018 thus far, she said. That’s a problem, she said, because when affordable homes aren’t available, fewer people can afford to invest in real estate. “Most Americans build their wealth through their real estate,” she said. “Your average American is not going to have a 401(k) worth millions, so their main source of capital is their home. If you can’t afford to buy one, you lose out on that.” Likewise, Deborah Myerson, executive director of nonprofit organization South Central Indiana Housing Opportunities, said Monroe County is particularly in need of affordable housing for low-income families. “There is more growth than there is housing being developed,” Myerson said. “There is increasingly more awareness of the issue of the need to increase the supply of housing — we do need more housing overall — but also understanding that we need more housing that can be affordable for low and moderate incomes.” SCIHO is developing a property on land adjacent to the new Switchyard Park, where it will build 16 apartments with rents targeted for low-income households. Funding for phase 1 of the $1.38 million project, she said, has come through a variety of sources, including Bloomington’s housing development funds and a $500,000 from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis’ affordable housing program, Myerson said. Meeting community needs for housing can be difficult, but both Myerson and McKim say they believe government can help boost the supply. Developing low-income housing is a challenge to any community because the income that will be generated from a property generally isn’t high enough to meet the building costs, Myerson said. Many communities have a dedicated source of
BUILDING BLOOMINGTON continued on page 10
MonroeConvention.com
302 S. COLLEGE AVE.
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BLOOMINGTON, IN 47403
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funding to help subsidize such projects, such as a real-estate transfer fee that could be put into a housing trust fund for this purpose. Generally speaking, county governments “don’t do a lot with housing,” McKim said. However, he believes that situation needs to change. “As Monroe County becomes more urbanized, it is time for the county to take a more active approach to encourage housing,” he said. He adds, “I think we need to create a serious, data-driven housing plan to make sure we understand what it is we need.”
In a recent rate increase, CBU was able to set aside an additional $1.8 million in funding for replacing water mains. To put that number in perspective, “last year and this year we replaced 2.5 miles of water mains. If we continue to do that for 40 years, we would replace one-fourth of our pipe.”
Infrastructure requirements
—Vic Kelson, Bloomington Utilities
Photo by Jeremy Hogan.
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Addressing the area’s housing needs are not as simple as just building more homes, however. Increasing numbers of people and businesses place an added stress on area infrastructure, including its sewers, roads and more. And with so much aging infrastructure already to cope with, the funds aren’t always readily available to tackle such projects. City of Bloomington Utilities handles the city’s water, sewer and stormwater needs, including 430 miles of water mains for which the entity is responsible, Bloomington Utilities Director Vic Kelson said. Of those, one-fifth are at least 75 years old. In a recent rate increase, CBU was able to set aside an additional $1.8 million in funding for replacing water mains. To put that number in perspective, Kelson said, “last year and this year we replaced 2.5 miles of water mains. If we continue to do that for 40 years, we would replace one-fourth of our pipe.” Just maintaining existing infrastructure comes at a high cost, so it should come as no surprise that installing new sewer lines is a costly undertaking. When it comes to new development, CBU copes with this cost by requiring developers to install and pay for the cost of the sewer connection to a new property, Kelson said. In some cases, like the development of the new Indiana University Health Bloomington Hospital, that requires substantial and costly upgrades to the sewer system to meet projects’ needs. “The reason for this is so that the existing rate payers don’t have to pay for any expansions that have to happen to support the new development,” Kelson said, noting that CBU is 100 percent funded by its ratepayers. Increasing numbers of customers also increases the pressure on the city’s two waste-water treatment plants, both of which are rapidly approaching capacity. Planned improvements at the Dillman Road Wastewater Treatment Plant should increase capacity sufficiently to manage for perhaps 15 to 20 years, but quickerthan-expected growth could shorten that timeline, Kelson said. In readiness for this eventuality, CBU has changed its rate structure to include a “system development charge” when a new property is built and hooked into the sewer, which is banked away to use for future expansions at the plant. “We are trying to have new projects that are going to put more pressure on our treatment plans pay ahead for that eventuality,” Kelson said. At the county level, lack of access to sewer systems helps compound developers’ difficulties in creating more housing, as it limits the density of homes that can be placed in an area. Some areas that would be ideal for development of a housing community, McKim said, are “essentially locked out” by the inability to connect to a sewer system. McKim said extending sewer access to other parts of the county is something the county could someday undertake — funds from tax-increment financing districts, he notes, could be used for the purpose — but this is a “long term possibility,” he said. While sewer has long been an infrastructure issue for communities, in the recent
BUILDING BLOOMINGTON continued on page 15
Remembering Steve Howard By Anne Bono, Vice President and Director of Advocacy
belief in the business community, and how our support of one another can make for a greater Bloomington. Steve wrote a regular article for BizNet during his time he Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce has with The Chamber. His final article, published in August always taken pride in the relationships that can be 2005, highlights the type of person Steve was and what made by our members, volunteers and staff. These he wanted to share with Chamber members and the relationships can go from professional interactions to community: mentorship experiences to life-long friendships I’ve been committed to the Chamber for … and all of these relationships have been more than a decade and still feel very strongly mentioned to me with the passing of Steve about it and about the issues that provide both Howard. challenges and opportunities for our community For those of you who did not know and region. The hardest part to let go is the many Steve, he had a diverse career. He served in relationships I’ve had with excellent people. the Navy for nearly 40 years, culminating But Cass is right, I need to let the issues and as commander of the Crane Naval Surface the Chamber go and get on with our next life as Warfare base. Following his Navy career, he captain, first mate and entire crew of the cutter served as president and CEO of The Greater Adventure, which will be our home for the next Bloomington Chamber of Commerce from year or two. 1994 to 2005. During his tenure at The How do I let go of something that has meant, Chamber he completed his Master’s degree in and means, so much to me? Steve Howard. public administration from Indiana University. Courtesy photo. In my former life as a Navy officer, every Even after his retirement Steve would visit three years or so I had to let a great job go. The The Chamber office with his faithful sidekick, Torrie the most difficult was my last Navy job as commander of Crane. corgi. Torrie made herself comfortable in the office — just But consistent with a more than two-hundred-year tradition, like Steve would — and they both brightened the office with I let Crane go during the traditional crisp change of command their pop-in appearances. These visits occurred when Steve process during which the incoming commander says “I relieve and his wife, Cassie, were back in Bloomington — they you sir” and the outgoing commander declares “I stand enjoyed time sailing in Mexico and traveling the United relieved.” States. I need to apply the same strategy with the Chamber. For several years The Chamber has presented the Best wishes to my colleagues; I value your partnership, Nancy Howard Diversity Award at its annual meeting. The friendship and support. award was named for Steve’s late wife, who passed away in I stand relieved. 1999. The award is given to a local individual or business All of us at The Chamber — and those former staff who who “demonstrate a commitment to attracting a diverse worked with Steve — send our thoughts and best wishes to workforce and maintaining an environment in which all can his wife, Cassie, their children and their family. be successful.” The characteristics of this award reflect Steve’s Smooth sailing, Steve.
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SEPTEMBER 2018 | BIZNET • F11
Chamber Hosts Annual Meeting and Community Awards September 27
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Courtesy photos.
he Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce will host their 103rd Annual Meeting and Community Awards on Thursday, Sept. 27 at the Monroe Convention Center. The Chamber invites its members to attend the meeting to learn about initiatives, progress and membership over the past year. The Chamber’s new president and CEO, Erin Predmore, will be speaking at the event. There will be a variety of Community Awards presented during the Annual Meeting. Nominations were accepted for awards in several categories, and the honorees
Congratulations to Home2 Suites Bloomington on their ribbon cutting. The celebration of their new hotel grand opening included tours, food, drinks and entertainment by a fabulous jazz band. Visit them at 1410 N. Walnut St. or call 812-668-5999 for more information.
F12 • BIZNET | SEPTEMBER 2018
will be announced and recognized during the luncheon. Tickets for reserved seating may be purchased on The Chamber’s website at ChamberBloomington. org. Individual seats for Chamber members are $47. Participants in The Chamber’s hYPe (helping Young Professionals excel) program are eligible for a discounted seat at $42. Reserved tables of eight guests are available for $600. Event sponsorship opportunities, which include a table of eight guests and additional advertising options, are also available.
Congratulations to Skirt & Satchel on their ribbon cutting. They celebrated with some light refreshments and an open house at their new location. Visit them at 101 W. Kirkwood, Suite 107 or call 812-727-0292.
Congratulations to Hive on their ribbon cutting. They celebrated their new restaurant with a grand opening, giving away prizes, raffles, samples and more. Visit them at 2608 E. Tenth Street or call 812-287-7405.
CHAMBER BRIEFS
Continued from page 5
Park (a.k.a., Third Street Park). Games, escape room, beer and wine garden and food trucks will be there. More information: Visit the Facebook Event Page at WCLS Classic Hits 97.7. Fifth Third Holds Ribbon Cutting Fifth Third is holding a ribbon cutting and celebration on Sept. 26 for the newly-remodeled building at 200 S. Washington. Pastries and coffee will be provided from 8:30-9:30 a.m. with the ribbon cutting taking place at 9 a.m. Tours of the banking center will be available. Franklin College Selected as Host Site of Indianapolis Prize Lecture Franklin College will host the first of six lectures in the prestigious 2018 Indianapolis Prize Lecture Series on Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Napolitan Student Center. The lecture, “Biodiversity Conservation: A Global Priority,” will be presented by Dr. Russell A. Mittermeier. Register at FranklinCollege.edu/indianapolisprize-lecture. More information: Call 317-7388185. Registration is Open for Hoosiers Outrun Cancer Registration is now open for the 19th Annual Hoosiers Outrun Cancer which will take place on Saturday, Sept. 29 beginning at 10 a.m. at IU Memorial Stadium. More information: Visit HoosiersOutrunCancer.org to register, volunteer or sign up a team. United Way of Monroe County Presents The Talent Show Join United Way of Monroe County on Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater and their talented member agencies pro-
CHAMBER VOICES
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public meetings, commissions and councils. He tracks funding, ordinances and processes, and his Bloomington/Monroe Government 101 class was one of the first things on my schedule. Last, but not least, is Anne Bono, who as the interim president and CEO kept things together for the Chamber for several months as they conducted a search for new leadership. Anne is the Chamber’s vice president and the director of public policy and advocacy. She works tirelessly to maintain focus on important issues, advocate for change when needed,
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viding an evening of singing, dancing, and more unusual displays of talent by nonprofit agency representatives. More information or to purchase tickets: Visit BCTboxoffice.org. Bloomington Salt Cave Holds Ribbon Cutting Bloomington Salt Cave is holding a ribbon cutting and anniversary celebration on Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 115 N. Madison. The anniversary celebration is from 10-11 a.m. and the ribbon cutting will take place at 10:30 a.m.
Other Certified Dementia Friendly Business Arthur Murray Dance Center attended a course on July 10 and is now a certified Dementia Friendly Business. This course is offered by IU Health Alzheimer’s Resource Service, Bloomington, Indiana.
and communicate important nuances to concerned parties. She seems to have a second sense when it comes to business issues, and she can quickly recognize times when a business impact assessment is needed for a government initiative. This is your Chamber team. Dedicated, caring, innovative and responsive. I am excited to be their leader and know we can accomplish great things. Just like the HR conference example, they had already been living our motto “Better Business, Better Community” and making a profound difference through their exemplary work way before I arrived. I can’t take any credit for that, but I can happily join them.
White Rabbit Copy Service & Digital Printing has been reproducing for the Greater Bloomington area since 1971. We specialize in short run custom print and design products as well as other services like copy, fax, scanning and book binding. What can we print for you today? Call 812-339-5020 or visit WhiteRabbitCopy.com for more information.
City Invites Applications for Vacant Positions on Bloomington’s Commission on Aging The City of Bloomington Office of the City Clerk is accepting applications to fill a vacant position on Bloomington’s Commission on Aging. More information: Visit the city system for board and commission information known as “OnBoard” at bloomington.in.gov/onboard. SCI REMC’s Operation RoundUp Awards Community Grants South Central Indiana Rural Electric Membership Corporation’s (SCI REMC) Operation RoundUp board of trustees recently awarded $41,283 to 15 nonprofit organizations in Brown, Morgan, Monroe, and Owen counties, bringing the total to more than $3.2 million that has been given to the community since the program began in 1995.
Congratulations to One World at Woolery Mill on their ribbon cutting. They celebrated with an open house at their new event venue serving cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Visit them at 2250 W. Sunstone Drive or call 812-334-3663 for more information on booking.
SEPTEMBER 2018 | BIZNET • F13
SPOTLIGHT
Continued from page 1 This customer-centered attitude has helped Keller Heating & Air Conditioning maintain its sterling reputation in the community for nearly 50 years now, Keller said. And, she said, she hopes it will carry the second-generation family business into a third generation and beyond. Keller Heating & Air Conditioning was founded in Bloomington in 1972 by Charlie and Sharon Keller. Charlie, a propane delivery man who repaired furnaces as a side gig, was injured on the job and ultimately chose to use the settlement he received to start a business of his own on the corner of Eighth and Rogers streets. The company has remained at that location ever since. “They started out very small and have just grown (the business) through reputation and qu qualityy business practices, as well as personality,” nality,” lity,” said Keller, who has been involved in n the business since shortly before “My first hope is that her marriage to current company our son successfully steps president Greg Keller 30 years ago. Shane Keller, Keller Heating & Air Conditioning. Photo by Chris Howell. into a management or “Charlie is a really personable guy and has built a lot of respect” in ownership position and the community. reputation here in town with “Our priority is service,” she said. “We try to take care carries on this family business Greg Keller, Charlie and of the customers’ existing equipment with the hopes our company being here all this for another 50 years.” Sharon’s son, has been in the that when something does go wrong, they’ll look to us time,” she adds. when they go to replace it.” business for 35 years. Today, he These days, Keller Heating & — Teresa Keller, Over the past 46 years the business has grown is the president and CEO of the Air Conditioning’s business is a Keller Heating & and changed tremendously, especially as a result of company, though Teresa Keller fairly even mix of working with fa Air Conditioning technology. In many ways, improved communications said her father-in-law still comes in contractors on new construction co and computers have made things easier: weekly payroll, mer to work every day during the summer projec ojec helping homeowners projects, for example, now takes a fraction of the time it once months. In the future, the Kellers hope op ope lookingg to undertake their own projects did, Keller said. Likewise, there is no longer a need to to pass the reigns to a third member off th the and HVAC servicing to existing d providing providin id carry around a notepad to keep track of all the items she family: Teresa and Greg’s son. customers. Residential jobs make up the bulk of needs to discuss with her husband at the end of the day Being family owned and operated, Keller said, is part the business, though the organization is capable — she just calls him on his cell phone as needed. of what makes the business special. of installing a unit up to 20 tons, as it did with the “That care and attention to detail is something Bloomington Sportsplex (now known as Twin Lakes SPOTLIGHT that sets us apart, not to mention we have an excellent Recreation Center), Keller said. continued on page 15
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For more info, email: info@Chamber Bloomington.org
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F14 • BIZNET | SEPTEMBER 2018
Congratulations to Fresh Thyme Farmers Market (Bloomington - East) on their ribbon cutting. They celebrated the opening of their new store with a sneak peek. Visit them at 2812 E Third Street (at College Mall).
Congratulations to Wooden McLaughlin LLP on their ribbon cutting. They celebrated at their new location with an open house serving light appetizers and cocktails. Visit them at 702 N. Morton St. or call 317-639-6151 for more information.
BUILDING BLOOMINGTON
area, in particular since certain access points have been impacted by I-69, McKim said. Among these projects Continued from page 10 are the extension of Profile Parkway east to Gates Drive, decades access to high-speed internet has become a vital as well as the creation of a north-south connector from piece of community infrastructure, Smithville’s Brodin Vernal Pike to Whitehall Crossing. said. And with the advent of streaming video — which Funding for these costly improvements come from a seemed overnight to turn “a service that was working very variety of sources, McKim said. The extension of Profile well into one that overall seemed too slow,” Brodin said — Parkway, he said, will be paid for entirely with local funds, these needs have grown tremendously in recent years. including earnings from the westside’s tax-increment Smithville was already in the process of transitioning financing district. The north-south corridor — projected its systems from copper to cost about $10 million to fiber optic cable, but because of a bridge that found it needed to speed its will be needed to cross “In the rural areas we process up tremendously in the railroad tracks — is need more access to the wake of this increased being funded largely by high-speed internet. demand. Today, its service the Indiana Department of There’s a lot of areas is so popular that realtor Transportation, with a local where people just don’t Lutes advertises homes match coming out of the have the internet they specifically as having access TIF district as well. need. Interestingly to Smithville fiber, she said. Getting state and Areas without access to federal funding for such enough, that’s where a the internet, however, are projects has always been a lot of your families who at a distinct disadvantage, tough, competitive process, can’t afford to live closerLutes said. McKim said. Over the in live,” but then their Tracee Lutes, Realtor. “In the rural areas years, some sources of children are unable to do Courtesy photo. we need more access to income have dried up, but much of their homework high-speed internet,” on the whole “the state has without internet. Lutes said. “There’s a lot stepped up lately.” of areas where people just Still, McKim don’t have the internet expects such welcome they need. Interestingly enough, that’s where a lot of your improvements to continue to have an impact on the need families who can’t afford to live closer-in live,” but then for housing in that area, as well as elsewhere in the county. their children are unable to do much of their homework As more businesses move in, employees need places to live. without internet. “We are making investments in the west side in Increased development, meanwhile, also tends to particular to make that area very attractive to businesses, require improvements to roads in order to efficiently get but I think the flip side of a great economy is that housing people where they need to go. As communities evolve, becomes ever more an issue,” McKim said. “This is the road infrastructure needs to evolve with it. time for the county to step up and start playing a bigger Right now, the county is working to improve access to role in encouraging workforce housing.” Bloomington’s increasingly developed west-side economic
SPOTLIGHT
Continued from page 14 Still, those same technological advances have also made the business more challenging in some ways. While homes are still built of largely the same materials as they ever were, Keller said, heating and cooling systems are a different story. “The technology in the equipment continues to advance, and there’s a lot of computerized components in the equipment now that were unheard of 20 years ago,” she said. “With that comes efficiencies, but it also comes with more difficulties in repairing and diagnosing issues with them.” It is a point of pride for the company, however, that its technicians have a high level of training and expertise that allows them to tackle the complexities
of these new systems, she said. “They deal with advanced electronic systems that are state-of-the-art, and it takes a lot to keep them educated on all the latest technology,” Keller said. “And that’s one of our priorities — staying on top of that so that we can repair whatever equipment is out there that needs it.” Finding the talented technicians to fill these roles is one of the biggest challenges the company faces these days, however. It’s a situation she believes stems from individuals’ lack of interest in jobs requiring them to work with their hands and get dirty. Still, she said, it’s a field she recommends more people look into because “it is a necessity and will always be needed.” While Keller describes herself as largely a “numbers person,” she said she gets a great sense
of satisfaction when she hears from customers how pleased they were with the technicians’ work. And when someone knows they’ve made someone’s day better — perhaps by getting their air conditioning working on a hot summer day, she said — “the team brings that (energy) back into the office.” In the future, Keller hopes that the company will uphold its founding principles under the helm of the next generation of Kellers. “My first hope is that our son successfully steps into a management or ownership position and carries on this family business for another 50 years,” she said. She adds, “my hope is that the business continues to provide quality service and products to the public and can continue to keep our excellent reputation.”
SEPTEMBER 2018 | BIZNET • F15
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